SKS legal in chicago area?

[frogomatic]

I have a very good friend who fell in love with my SKS a few years ago, he moved to chicago recently and is without a self defense weapon. I wanted to gift that SKS that he loves to much to him, but I wanted to make sure he and I won't get into any trouble over it. Can anyone help me out here?

 

[anotherinkling]

No, SKS rifles are not legal in Chicago. Basically, no semi-auto rifles that have ever been used in combat (or their clones). No SKS, AK, AR, M1A, M1 Carbine, etc. Ironic that you can't own an M1 Garand but you can own a Remington 7400. Yeah, there's no rhyme or reason. A pump shotgun would be probably be the best bet. If he/she has their heart set on a semi-auto, you might go with a Marlin Camp Carbine, Ruger PC9 or something similar. A lever-action in a pistol caliber is a handy option, too, that's not so "scary."

Be sure they know that a Firearm Owner ID (FOID) card is required, gun transfers must go through an FFL and firearms must be registered annually in Chicago. Yes, it's a pain.

 

[Bix]

I believe one could successfully argue that a stock (i.e. fixed magazine) SKS is registerable under the municipal code. Indeed, I believe there is a good argument that it is specifically carved out of the code's definition of 'assault weapon'. I'm afraid that I've not yet tested this theory.

In any event, I'd expect the registration appliation to be denied and I would expect a fight - but I think it's winnable.

 

[Bix]

No, SKS rifles are not legal in Chicago. Basically, no semi-auto rifles that have ever been used in combat (or their clones). No SKS, AK, AR, M1A, M1 Carbine, etc

AI - do you have a source for this?

 

[anotherinkling]

http://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/ordinances/chicago.pdf

You could be right re: the fixed magazine SKS. There are general guidelines then specific models that are banned. The list specifies "SKS type with detachable magazine." It's possible that the standard SKS would fit within the guidelines, though a bayonet would likely not be allowed. One thing to watch for, though, is that the "list" can change. For years, the Mini-14 was legal. Then one year it showed up on the list.

Anyone out there ever had a standard, fixed-mag SKS registered in Chicago?

 

[Bix]

Right - I think the "with detachable magazine" language makes for a good argument that those without detachable magazines are not 'assault weapons' under the code.

There's also a 4/2002 CPD regulation issued by then-superintendent Hillard that clarifies the definition of 'assault weapon' and specifically carves out fixed magazine semiautomatic rifles.

As I said, I think it'd be a fight. I had my application to register a pump action shotgun denied on the grounds that the gun was an 'assault weapon'. Around 9 month later, a permit was issued .

I'm also curious to know whether anyone has successfully gotten a permit for a stock SKS. I've got one, still in the cosmo, stored outside the city. If I ever get off my hump and clean the thing, I might just take a crack at registering it.

 

[DeepSouth]

Man, I'm glad I live in Alabama. You guys got it rough. I never knew Chicago had that kind of "Gun Control" going on. Makes me wonder why the crime rate is so high. They are just blind to the statical facts I guess.

 

[Ignition Override]

How about a Saiga Combat Shotgun (holds ten rounds?):
have they been used in combat?

 

[chuckusaret]

Wow, You mean there is someone who actually obeys the gun laws in Chicago

 

[Bix]

How about a Saiga Combat Shotgun (holds ten rounds?):

Negative, Ghostrider.

have they been used in combat?

That's not the standard. See the link in anotherinkling's post above for a copy of the municipal code.